Basswood grove at sunset

I was very surprised to see a squirrel nest in the basswood grove. This grove is a small remnant of the vast basswood forest that used to cover the area. Now it is surrounded by open field so a squirrel would have had to make a very exposed run to get here. Basswood is a soft wood and these trees are old. Each year there are a fewer standing basswoods. The squirrel nest won't have much protection from the winter wind and cold. Finally, this is a favorite spot for bald eagles to perch. All in all, not the safest spot to pick. Think the nearby black walnut trees my father and uncle planted might have been the big lure.